Cocaine and benzoylecgonine end up in waterways when the drug is ingested and broken down by humans and then released into wastewater through urine.
Environment
5:30pm
The "literally unbearable" smell was compared to rotting eggs, dissection of a dead bird and "a stinky diaper baking in the sun".
Thu, Apr 16
A Hawke’s Bay mayor claims the declaration of states of emergency for Cyclone Vaianu was "woke" decision-making, and says "there was a lot of panicking going on" over not too much.
Mon, Apr 13
Ten-year-old Kaea and his mother Neisha were checking out Tairua's Ocean Beach after Cyclone Vaianu when he came across the Jack Daniels bottle encrusted with shells.
Police said the rescuers' ability to safely locate and extract the climbers prevented "what could have been a far more serious outcome".
Fri, Apr 10
A 300-million-year-old tentacled sea creature has lost its crown as the world’s oldest octopus, after scientists found evidence that it’s not an octopus at all.
Complaint arose from dredging carried out by McCallum Brothers in the Pākiri temporary sand extraction area, north of Auckland.
Thu, Apr 9
Majority of the losses were put down to the varroa mite — an external parasite that can weaken or even destroy entire colonies.
Recent figures showed many rivers and groundwaters were affected by pathogens or nitrate levels that could pose risks to human health.
Astronauts have released breath-taking images from their historic lunar flyby as New Zealand steps up its role in the next phase of space exploration.
Wed, Apr 8
"We down in Central Hawke's Bay haven't even got bridges repaired from Cyclone Gabrielle and yet this government are prepared to pour another $18 million into this zombie project," one opponent said.
The 36-year-old swimmer told Breakfast it was "really tough" knowing he would be battling hypothermia, sharks and jellyfish every time he entered the water.
Tue, Apr 7
Last year, 85 trees fell in Tokyo parks, injuring three people, officials worry for the trees' faring during this year's tourist season.
Mon, Apr 6
From March to April stags begin roaring to attract hinds, signalling the start of many hunting competitions.
Sun, Apr 5
The Ashley Gorge Skyline Track is estimated to take four to five hours to complete and reaches an altitude of nearly 800m.
Sat, Apr 4
Ridler’s Swim4TheOcean campaign, aimed at raising awareness about the impacts of bottom trawling, has gathered more than 60,000 signatures.
The Multi-Council Controlled Organisation they settled on would be in charge of delivering water supply, wastewater and stormwater services.
Fri, Apr 3
UCon Construction Ltd plead guilty to three charges after sediment and concrete slurry repeatedly escaped from an Auckland building site into the city’s wider stormwater network in 2024.
Wed, Apr 1
Ten tarāpuka died after ingesting a rapid-acting narcotic bird control agent in Te Anau on January 18.
Fri, Mar 27
Red alert level warnings are in place for some rivers in the Greater Wellington region, the council is urging people to check before visiting rivers.
Dealers say electric vehicles are being snapped up as Kiwis look for ways to cut fuel costs.
Thu, Mar 26
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said the next phase of the Government's strategy would shift from smaller projects to targeting predator elimination across larger areas.
Wed, Mar 25
A paywave donations trial by the Department of Conservation in Punakaiki has harvested $22,000 in five months.
Tue, Mar 24
The Taranaki Regional Council officer was inspecting "systematic problems" on his farm, which dated back to 2009.
How did a high-profile crime that had the nation's farmers up in arms and a visit to an out-of-the-way rubbish dump lead to the discovery of critically endangered native bats in a Northland forest?
Mon, Mar 23
